The 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 65,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum with the 223 Remington on the same basis.
223 WSSM ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 55 gr | 3,850 fps | 1,810 ft-lb |
| 64 gr | 3,600 fps | 1,841 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum, 55 and 64 grains. The lighter, 55 grains, is listed at 3,850 fps, which computes to 1,810 ft-lb. The heavier, 64 grains, is listed at 3,600 fps, which computes to 1,841 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 223 WSSM ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 65,000 psi. Fire 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
223 WSSM vs 223: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum | 223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 65,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Not read from the drawing | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | Not read from the drawing | 1 turn in 12.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | Not read from the drawing | .224 in |
| Lightest reference load | 55 gr — 3,850 fps / 1,810 ft-lb | 35 gr — 3,800–4,000 fps / 1,122–1,243 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 64 gr — 3,600 fps / 1,841 ft-lb | 64 gr — 3,000–3,070 fps / 1,279–1,339 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 64 gr — 3,600 fps / 1,841 ft-lb | 77 gr — 2,670–2,785 fps / 1,219–1,326 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum at 65,000 psi and the 223 Remington at 55,000 psi, so the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum runs 10,000 psi higher. At 64 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum reference velocity is 3,600 fps (1,841 ft-lb computed), against up to 3,070 fps (1,339 ft-lb) for the 223 Remington. On that row the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 223 ammo.
223 WSSM ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum at 65,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 55 to 64 grains: 55 and 64.
Is the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum more powerful than the 223 Remington?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 64 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum reference velocity is 3,600 fps (1,841 ft-lb computed), against up to 3,070 fps (1,339 ft-lb) for the 223 Remington.
What is the effective range of the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 223 WSSM ammunition from Winchester. Browse the full 223 WSSM ammo range.
